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Glass flake has been used to reinforce polymers for over 40 years key benefits include:

2D isotropic reinforcement of mechanical properties

Control of warpage and shrinkage

Improved permeation resistance

Improved weld strength

Traditionally these flakes have typically been 5 micron thick and around 160 microns in diameter. The efficacy of these products is being improved by the development of a new generation of products based on 2 micron and even sub-micron thick flake.

These benefits transfer well to the 3D printed articles. Furthermore the orientation and particle size distributions of the flake can be arrange to improve the inter- layer bonding between the layers of the 3D component.

Glass flakes coated with conductive materials have been used in decorative applications for a number of years. These glass flakes can be used in 3D printing applications to print conductive pathways.